Suits For Soldiers Returns To The Lake Sept. 30, Helping Military Members Look Their Best!

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — The 4th annual Suits For Soldiers is coming to Lake of the Ozarks on Sept. 30, with the aim of serving more than 1,000 military members this year.

A nonprofit founded in 2018, Suits For Soldiers is a free event that provides suits, services, and giveaways in recognition of military service — whether a person is active-duty or a veteran — at no cost to them.

The event is set for Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Elks Lodge #2517 in Osage Beach. It will feature food, live music, and door prizes (last year two safes with facial-recognition tech were given away!) Organizations will also be offering services to the soldiers, like the Disabled American Veterans Charity that helps veterans file claims, along with providing other resources.

To register for Suits for Soldiers, volunteer, or for sponsorship, visit SuitsForSoldiersLakeOfTheOzarks.com

Suits for Soldiers started small, with 150 free suits provided for soldiers the first year. In the three years since it began, more than 1,500 suits have been given away, including shoes, shirts, along with other personal services like haircuts and fitting for the suits.

For co-founder Jeanne Rackers, she said this is a "Thank you" to those who have protected American freedom. Her family has a history in the military — with her son active in the Air Force, her husband retired from the Missouri National Guard, and her father and father-in-law who served the country.

"I could never do what they've done for our freedoms," Rackers said. "Giving them a suit and a fun day is just a small way to give back to those who've given so much for us."

There are many stories that Rackers recalls from veterans who are grateful for the clothes, which she said help members feel confident no matter the occasion. For one 94-year-old man, it was ultimately an opportunity to be buried with dignity.

"It's just a day of camaraderie," Rackers said. "We rely on our veterans and active military to help spread the word around."

Suits for Soldiers partners with DAV, H.E.R.O.E.S Care, and local sponsors like On Q Financial, Guardian Insurance Group, Big Thunder Marine, Honest Abe’s, United Veterans Benefits Agency, InFuze Credit Union, The Salisbury Team, Summit Natural Gas, & Wal-Mart Camdenton to make the event possible.

Military members will need their DD 214 or military ID in order to receive the clothing. To register for Suits for Soldiers, volunteer, or for sponsorship, visit SuitsForSoldiersLakeOfTheOzarks.com